Blush isn't the only makeup product that gives your complexion an instant pick-me-up. A sweep of bronzer on the high points of your face creates subtle definition (hello, cheekbones) while also adding a beautiful, allover warmth that will trick people into thinking you just got back from vacation — save for the sun damage. Albeit, much like foundation and concealer, bronzer can go catastrophically wrong if you don't find the right shade for your skin tone. As a general rule, you want to steer clear of any bronzers that look too orange or gray, as these tones can make you look unnaturally tan or washed out. (That, and it's always a good idea to check out how the color looks in natural light to ensure it's a spot-on match.) Since we know how confusing it can be to determine your exact skin tone and its undertones, we tapped makeup artists who bronze faces on the daily to share their knowledge on this beloved beauty fave. Ahead, check out their expert picks, plus the tried-and-true methods they use to find the perfect shade for every client. Cheers to the glow up.
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For Fair Skin Tones:
People who have very fair skin tend to shy away from bronzer, as it can be tricky to find a shade that won't come across too orange or too muddy, but just a couple of simple guidelines will get you glowing, no matter how pale your complexion is. Makeup artist Elisa Flowers recommends looking for one just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone and always, always using a light hand when applying. What's more, she suggests trying on the color before buying — preferably in natural light — to ensure it doesn't look unnaturally stark.
Dior Diorskin Mineral Nude Bronze Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder
Flowers cites one of her favorite bronzers for pale-skinned people as this beaut by Dior, which comes in six shades, including this one (001 Soft Sunrise), which is the lightest shade of the bunch. "This glow-y, mineral bronzer is so pretty on fair and very light skin," she says, explaining that it's especially ideal for those who have rosy tones in their complexion. "Simply buff it lightly across the forehead, cheeks, and along the jawline to softly warm up the skin," she adds.
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Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Color
New York City-based makeup artist Ingeborg recommends this bronzer from Chanel's Les Beiges line, which offers amazing options for people with extremely fair, near-translucent skin. "It's so, so subtle, but instantly makes your skin look so healthy-looking," she says. Flowers is a fan, too, and says shade N10 is best for those with cool undertones, while N20 works on warmer tones. "This bronzer not only provides sun protection but illuminates skin and helps to set makeup," she adds.
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For Light to Medium Skin Tones:
Those with light and medium complexions can also benefit from choosing shades one or two decimals darker than their natural skin color. You also want to look for options that aren't overly cool or warm, but neutral, in order to get the most natural-looking glow possible. "Be sure to avoid bronzers that appear overly orange or red-toned in the pan, as it will only come across more intense when you apply it to the skin," says Flowers.
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Bronzing Veil
"Light and medium-toned skin will not be disappointed with Kevyn Aucoin's The Celestial Bronzing Veil," says Ingeborg (and without hesitation, I might add). "This formula contains metallic pigments that blend seamlessly into skin with a sweep of a fluffy brush, giving a glow as well as a soft bronzey look," she adds. This is a lovely option for those who don't mind a little bit of shimmer, as it almost works as a highlighter and bronzer in one.
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Kristofer Buckle Exposure Matte Warming Powder
Kristofer Buckle's Warming Powder is one of the most natural-looking bronzers we've ever tried (and hit pan on). While there's only two shades — light and deep — neither look overwhelming on the skin, as it goes on incredibly light and can be built up to create a beautiful warmth that's neither orange nor muddy. I used it in my foundation routine for facial redness, should you be interested in seeing what it looks like in the flesh.
$35 (Shop Now)
For Tan Skin Tones:
People with olive-toned skin can get away with wearing most bronzer shades as long as you don't stray *too far from your natural skin color. Flowers says to look for terracotta tones that have a hint of red to them, as they look beautiful on tan complexions.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Face Sculpt & Highlight
For those with medium-to-tan skin tones, Ingeborg highly recommends giving Charlotte Tilbury's fan-favorite Filmstar Bronze and Glow a go. "Not only is it a beautiful bronzer, but it's a great contour and highlight, too," she says, adding that it's not too orangey and it blends easily, so you don't have to worry about awkward streaks or patchy areas. "It's so stunning," Ingeborg raves.
$68 (Shop Now)
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer
Make Up For Ever's Pro Bronze Fusion is an innovative, waterproof, gel-to-powder formula that comes in six shades and two different finishes: matte and iridescent. TKTKTK says, "I recommend 30M Natural Matte Sienna on olive or golden skin tones, as it just gives the healthiest-looking glow to the skin without being too overpowering." She also says to be careful not to apply too much, as a little goes a long way with this one.
$36 (Shop Now)
For Dark Skin Tones:
It should go without saying, but it's definitely trickiest (and unfairly so) for those with dark and deep complexions to find a suitable bronzer, as there are fewer options on the market that cater to them. That being said, there are some brands getting it right. Ultimately, your best bet is to look for ranges that offer deep shades that will not only show up but add a gorgeous glow to the skin, like the ones ahead. Nothing beats trying them on to see how they look in natural light.
Guerlain Terracota The Bronzing Powder
One of Flowers's must-haves for dark skin tones is the classic Guerlain Terracota Bronzer in the shade 009 Intense. "It has a silky feel, is super buildable and great for deep, golden skin tones," she explains, noting that it's also extremely moisturizing and pigmented. Something to consider when you're trying it out for yourself: "The even numbers represent cool tones and the odd numbers represent warm tones."
Becca Sunlit Bronzer
Flowers suggests this bronzer from Becca for those looking for some subtle sheen in addition to warmth. "Ipanema Sun is perfect for warm, golden undertones and Maui Nights works great for those with reddish or sienna tones," she explains. "Sweep it across the highest points of the face to create a gorgeous glow and a touch of color."
$38 (Shop Now)
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
"For a little more of a rosy, caramel shade, try Bobbi Brown's Bronzing Powder in Deep," says Flowers. "It's a soft, matte formula with buildable coverage and a perfect balance of color between red and brown." If you're looking for more bronzers for dark skin tones, we've got you covered in our extensive review of several options.
$44 (Shop Now)
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